The new 25,000 square-foot facility will be built behind the current shelter, and they already have raised $4.3 million of their $6.5 million goal.

"It means a lot because no longer will we be working in cramped makeshift conditions. No longer will animals be tucked into every available square inch of space," said Executive Director Patsy Murphy.

The new shelter will be equipped with a surgical center, isolation rooms for sick animals, outdoor play areas, updated amenities and the Arthur P. Girard Adoption Center. The center is named after Girard, who made a $1 million donation to the shelter.

"Within 30 minutes he made the decision to do so," said Girard's daughter, Monica Girard.

Monica Girard said her dad, a local businessman, did not hesitate to donate the money.

"There's nothing our family that we could be more passionate about, so we couldn't think of anywhere this money could go that would be more beneficial," said Girard.

The shelter said it was able to raise the $4.3 million during the silent phase of the fundraising campaign. It now needs the public's help to raise the final $2.2 million.

Each year the shelter takes in 4,000 abandoned, stray or surrendered animals.

Murphy said this new facility will help the shelter continue its mission for another 100 years.

"They are the glue that binds us all together. Animals speak to us, they're here to teach us something and they're here to give unconditional love," said Murphy.